Thought Id start this one going because its rather dead on this board at the moment and I suppose all my usual muckers are either at the Stella tennis event watching Dim Tim (lose again) or at Henly Regatta eating cucumber sandwiches (they wish,...NOT).

Anyway please feel free to just talk to yourself blast away and let it go on any company or subject you wish. Just wish Id thought of this one before.

cheers GF.

Labour 6 point lead..........

UK - Opinium/Observer poll:

LAB 35%
CON 29%
UKIP 18%
LDEM 7%
GRN 5%

Osborne’s tax avoidance failure reveals the facts about Coalition policies 6 July 2014.

What bad luck for George Osborne to get two sums wrong in the same week!

The first sum was a simple times-table question; a school pupil asked him to multiply seven by eight and he couldn’t do it.

The second sum was more serious because it was a sum of money. Rather a lot of money. £1.9 billion, in fact.

The Boy had claimed that around £3 billion in extra tax had been recovered from “high net worth individuals” – tax avoiders – after investigations by HM Revenue and Customs.

Unfortunately, errors in the way HMRC’s performance targets were set meant that these improvements were… well, “overstated” is how the Huffington Post described them.

This meant that, when HMRC said it exceeded its target for tax compliance in 2010-11 by £1.9 billion, in fact it had only just hit its target. The following year, its claim to have exceeded targets by £2 billion was out by the same amount; in fact it had made gains of just £100 million.

There is around £21 trillion in unclaimed, avoided tax sitting in ‘haven’ bank accounts around the world – many of them British territories - and Osborne has managed to collect just £100 million.

Meanwhile unemployed and low-paid working citizens – who have no income apart from state benefits, due to the systematic destruction of the UK’s industrial base by neoliberal politicians who were intent on increasing insecurity among the lower classes – are being starved to death.

Osborne has only himself to blame. When the Coalition government came into office, the Tories insisted that they didn’t need anything like as many public-sector workers as were then on the books – and started laying people off wholesale.

Now the DWP has a claimant assessment backlog of 700,000 for ESA alone (compared with less than 30,000 in May 2010) and the government’s flagship Universal Credit project is hopelessly bogged down, to quote just two examples of the remaining public servants being unable to do their jobs.

Meanwhile, outsourcing of government jobs to private companies has created a disaster: The National Health Service in England is slowly falling over the cliff, with privateers taking so much in profit that the service will go £2 billion into debt next year while waiting times at Accident and Emergency departments continue to increase out-of-control (no matter what lies David Cameron dribbles in Prime Minister’s Questions); a £116 million IT programme arranged with French firm Steria to run staffing, procurement and payroll services for civil servants was scrapped at a cost of £56 million – and then Steria was re-hired to outsource British jobs to India, Poland and Morocco, again at UK taxpayers’ expense.

Does anyone remember the fiasco when G4S was hired to run security at the London Olympics, failed to meet requirements, and the Army had to be called in at the last minute?

Atos and the DWP, anybody?

Andy Hamilton commented on this phenomenon during this week’s News Quiz on BBC Radio 4: “For decades, we have watched governments hand over the utilities and services to companies like G4S and Serco and we have watched as they basically ruined them.

“And then once they’ve ruined them, they get given some more to ruin until they’re running all sorts of services; they’re now huge!

“I still hanker after the good old days when G4S was just Group 4, and its core business was letting prisoners escape from vans.”

Some of us still hanker after the good old days when George Osborne was just a department store employee, and his core business was folding towels.

GF,

I am not blocking access for the ""worried" "ill".

(Help them evaluate the worry appropriately.)

But a lot of illnesses are "trivial", when you know that they are "so".

Rather than placating the mother with a "prescription" for "antibiotics" etc. the parent may be helped to recognise and treat accordingly and notice deterioration or resolution of condition.

This can be aided by periodic routine medical clinics at time of immunisation etc, in the child's early life

Part of the problems are due to the loss of the extended family units, with "experienced" sensible elders.

The problem with kids recognising the "trivia" and the "serious", in doubt both should be seen and FOLLOWED UP as necessary.

The majority of good practices are able to put the above into their working practices.

==========

One of the problems in medicine is recognising Psychosomatic outlets for "problems" by doctors, and addressing them appropriately, rather than allowing them to become ingrained.

Easily said, but difficult to do.

PS.

Post 43247 is a fair assessment of Osborne's record.

Something has to done about stopping migrants from crossing the med...they are going to turn Europe (including Britain) into a bigger dump then it is already !.....these people must not be allowed on Italian or Greek soil.....they must be returned home....this is becoming drastic because rough tactics might be needed....this is the trouble with people from Africa and such : they muck up their country and then they arrive here and you better believe the same chaos will happen here unless somebody does something about it....it's all very well feeling sorry and caring for these people, but Italy and Greece cannot cope with this invasion of undesirables on their coasts...

Update - Labour lead at 2
by YouGov in Political Trackers and Politics
Sun July 6, 2014 6 a.m. BST

Latest YouGov / Sunday Times results 4th July - Con 34%, Lab 36%, LD 8%, UKIP 13%;

RF.

"they muck up their country and then they arrive here and you better believe the same chaos will happen here unless somebody does something about it.."

Are the people who took the bribes and corrupted the country the same ones who are leaving their countries in boats, or the ones who are transferring "money" to London for laundering.

My bet is that the majority are just poor buggers who wish to survive and possibly improve the expectancies of their children!

Perhaps, some may class many of the present leaders and bribers, as undesirables.

Lord Tebbit hints at political cover-up in 1980s over child abuse

Ex-Thatcher minister says people's instinct was to protect 'the system' as it emerged a further 114 documents have been lost



Daniel Boffey and agencies


theguardian.com, Sunday 6 July 2014 10.42 BST




http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/06/child-abuse-coverup-1980s-lord-tebbit

Fred1New....Europe cannot accommodate these people....they might be person or persons in need of help but I know how they think.....Africa is one huge mess and if this lot arrive here, it is not for our benefit...they breed like rabbits for one thing...you have to get into the mentality and their way of thinking of these people....it is not by listening to the "dogooders"and most politicians broadcasts on the tv and radio that is going to help finding a solution to this problem.....(they are too scared to be branded as bad boy racists and losing their plush little jobs)...it is a very serious problem and tough decisions have to be taken otherwise : distinctive populations will be tainted by this mass arrival...

RQ,
"they breed like rabbits for one thing.."

That was said of the Irish immigrants in the 30s.

About the Catholics throughout time.

And other groups.

Even the great Victoria.

The surprising thing is as the social circumstance and "family" wealth increases and economic circumstances change, family sizes reduce.

In spite of the Catholic teachings (which may change) and partially due availability of contraception, cultural change and awareness.

------

The economics of immigration is beneficial for the UK.
==

Should it be monitored? Yes.

Rules change. Yes.

But there are many undesirable "English" who migrate and some are glad to see the back of them!

As far as cowardly MPs there are many who are deliberately stirring up racial hatred for political gains.

If you wish to see the effects of such, look at Israel and the Palestinians, Sunnies and Shiites etc.

Personally, I don't want to live in that atmosphere.

R F

Fred want's all people from poor and war ravaged countrys , the young , old and sick to move to richer countrys , What a simple view he has on the World

GF.

Ask Hazy these questions for me, Who or What is the United and Cecil club is.


Ask him, if he is a member of the Club or group?

Ask him, who finances it?

Ask him, how the pot is disposed of?

Ask him, what are the intentions of the club?

Ask him, how the club is listed?

Ask him, is the tory party "open and honest" and not attempting to corrupt the intentions of the "democratic" system?

That is enough for now!!!!!!!

if those crossing the med are merely economic refugees, why does any of Europe have any obligation whatsoever to allow them to stay?

Australia has a much tougher policy, but rarely gets taken to task for its uncompromising stance

Despite Fred's simplistic views on immigration (Welshman living in Birmingham)

Great Britain and Ireland are small Islands where the silent majority are saying enough is enough. Are fed up with the way this country is being run. Broken election promises by either of the main parties, completely out of touch with reality of ordinary citizens and their daily lives.

What exactly happens to these immigrants who arrive in this country with no money and no job prospects? Do they go to the front of the queue in the job centre? Err no.
Are they housed in Chelsea or the more affluent parts of major cities (or next door to Fred) Err no. So where do they get dumped. You don't need to be a genius to work that one out, and the consequences are blatently obvious! Fractured society, breeding resentment. Throw in different religions and you have hit the jackpot.

Am I alone in thinking, far from helping these people we are actually making their situation worse.

Am I alone in thinking that maybe we should be making the lives of the people who are already here that little bit better first and foremost. That food banks shouldn't exist in a country that allegedly some think tank predicts will be the fifth richest economy in the world by 2020.

Enough already, don't get me started on Europe. I'm beginning to understand why some in Scotland want to be independent. Political correctness, Health and Safety STOP!! rant over.

By Graeme Paton, Education Editor

7:15AM BST 06 Jul 2014

CommentsComments





Private education is becoming “increasingly unaffordable” for the middle-classes following a four-fold rise in school fees in little over 20 years, according to a major study.


Parents in traditionally well-paid careers such as accountancy, law, finance and academia are now less likely to afford an independent education than plumbers were in the early 90s, it emerged.


In a report, it was claimed that the rise in school fees had outstripped wages by such an extent that private schools were increasingly becoming the preserve of super-rich foreigners.


Figures suggest that an infant enrolled at a private day school this September will ultimately cost their parents £271,000 in fees and added extras by the time they take their A-levels in 13 years’ time – more than the average house price.


A boarding education will stand at some £435,000, it was claimed, and approach close to £1m for two children.


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The disclosure – in a study commissioned by the stockbroker Killik & Co – will prompt fresh concerns that independent education is becoming out of reach for the average family.

It comes just days after the Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity, called on the government to invest around £215m a year to subsidise fees and enable private schools to take pupils from a broader range of social backgrounds.

The action is needed to help schools shake off their image as “bastions of privilege”, it was claimed.

The Independent Schools Council defended the system, insisting fee rises had slowed in recent years and record sums – £320m – were being spent on means-tested bursaries.

They also pointed to figures showing that the UK’s private schools were among the best in the world.

But the Killik Private Education Index said the type of family that could afford private school fees “has changed dramatically since 1990”.

It added: “It is less likely to be the archetypal middle-class professional and more likely to be high net worth individuals, increasingly international. Many established independent schools like Eton and Harrow educate the children of some of China’s wealthiest multimillionaires.

“The average doctor, accountant or professional is not the typical private-school parent – at least, not any longer.”

The Killik study, carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, analysed data on school fees and average earnings over the last 24 years. It also estimated rises to be expected over the next 14 years.

The study found that average annual day fees had more than quadrupled since 1990 – from £2,985 to £12,700 in 2014. Boarding fees soared from £6,800 to £28,800.

It said that overall fees have increased by more than 300 per cent while wages have risen by just 76 per cent over the same period.

The study suggested that spending on teachers’ pay combined with investment in expensive buildings and equipment may have driven some of the rise.

Researchers compared fees – and other costs – with wages to find how much of parents’ disposable income would be taken up by private schooling.

In 1990, average day fees, plus extras, for one child would have taken up 19 per cent of the average doctors’ salary, compared with 23 per cent for solicitors, 30 per cent for academics and 29 per cent for accountants. A plumber would have been required to put aside 39 per cent while fees would have taken 47.5 per cent of a construction worker’s salary.

But by 2014, fees for one child accounted for 36 per cent of a doctor’s disposable income, 47 per cent for a fund manager, 50 per cent for a solicitor, 51 per cent for an academic and 59 per cent for an accountant.

For most professional occupations listed, the proportion of income spent on school fees in 2014 was higher than the rate for a plumber and even a construction worker 24 years ago.

By 2027, researchers estimate that day fees will more than double again to £27,400, with a further £3,000-a-year needed for extras such as music lessons, uniforms and school trips.

It would result in a total price tag of £271,000, or £526,000 for two children.

The study suggests that a parent sending one child to boarding school from the age of 13 – after eight years at a day school – would be required to pay £435,000 or £831,000 for two children.

It suggests that fees for a single child will account for more than 50 per cent of a doctor’s disposable income, rising to 66 per cent for fund managers, 70.5 per cent for solicitors, 72 per cent for academics, 83 per cent for accountants. Costs would exceed the total amount of disposal income for a plumber – 102 per cent – and stand at 114 per cent for construction workers and 128 per cent for members of the clergy.

“Most people associate the professional classes with the main clientele of private schools," the study said. “We find that was perhaps true in 1990, when an average professional salary could cover the cost of private education. But professional salaries have not risen at the same rate that private school fees have since.

“Across a number of occupations, over time, a progressively bigger chunk of an average salary goes on school bills and the ‘educational extras’.”

The study said it will be all but impossible for single-earner families to cover fees, adding: “The rise of two-earner households may be supporting private school affordability.”

Researchers added that parents would increasingly be forced to consider a mixed economy of state and fee-paying schooling in the future. Families taking the “state till eight” route – with pupils enrolled in state primary schools for the first three or four years – will save £94,000, the report said. The “state till 11” option would save almost £175,000.

But Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, said: “Independent schools recognise the pressures that parents are under and work hard to keep fees as low as possible. Last year annual fee rises were therefore the lowest for almost 20 years. This has helped to ensure that independent schools remain very popular with parents.

“There are now more pupils at ISC schools than there were last year, and more than there were in 2008 at the start of the economic downturn.

“Schools remain affordable to a wide range of families via our incredibly strong bursary programmes. Over a third of all pupils at ISC schools receive help with their fees. Last year, ISC schools provided over £320 million in means-tested bursaries and the total value of bursaries at ISC schools has risen by 27 per cent since 2010, well above the rate of any fee rises.

“Most independent schools are charities and their fees therefore reflect their costs. Schools have faced substantial increases in their costs in recent years, well above the rate of CPI inflation, including rising management and administration costs, welfare costs, staffing costs and food and energy costs.”

By Hannah Furness, arts correspondent

1:35PM BST 06 Jul 2014

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Britain is “over-governed”, with so many layers of councils and bureaucracy that people struggle to understand how politics works, the MP Liam Fox has said.


Dr Fox, the Conservative MP and former Defence Secretary, said he believed there should be a “reduction” in levels of government.


Arguing the number of councillors and politicians made government “confusing”, he added members of the public now find it difficult to determine “which bits matter”.


Speaking at the Telegraph Ways With Words book festival in Dartington, Devon, he also called for schools to return to teaching every pupil how government works, with lessons on their own civic responsibility.


Dr Fox, who has written a book about the challenges of modern globalisation, added the 21st century saw an “information gap”, as a younger generation eschew traditional television news for “made-to-measure” entertainment.


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When asked about the problem of engaging voters, he told an audience: “In politics, we’re so over-governed - there are so many layers of government – that I think a lot of people find it confusing which bits matter and which don’t matter.

“You’ve got parish councils, town councils, district councils, county councils, Westminster, Europe. Goodness me, how many politicians do you need to govern a country of 60 million people?

“I think we actually do need a slight reduction in the levels of government so people know which bits do matter.”

Dr Fox, who resigned from cabinet in 2011 and returned to the backbench, added: “People don’t really understand how government works and it is a failure in our education system.

“There is an obligation to teach people what used to be called civics, to say this is how the country actually works; this is what your responsibilities as well as your rights are.

“This is something we should be seriously thinking about.”

Saying there was a “disconnect” with voters, he compared the current political awareness with that of his childhood, where most people watched television news on one of three channels.

“Nowadays we, particularly young people, have a very made-to-measure lifestyle,” he said.

“You can live your whole life without any interaction with current affairs whatsoever, and it leaves a big information gap.”

They'll have to put it on an app if they want the kids to even begin to understand.

Educashun is the key, Gove looks like he is trying to do something about the appalling standards that pass for teaching these days, but I'm not sure how far he will get against the system.

Yes the tories have done well in their attempts to reform society in their own image.